The Ministry of Agriculture will offer current patrons of the Saskatchewan Pastures Program the option of leasing the pastures, as the program is wound down over the next three years. This follows the decision in March 2017 to end the Saskatchewan Pastures Program and consult on future management of the land. 13 pastures in northwestern Saskatchewan will transition from the SPP for the 2018 grazing season. Another 19 pastures in the northeast and northwest will transition for the 2019 grazing season, followed by the remaining 18 pastures in the northeast and south by the 2020 grazing season. The leases will be similar to those offered to patrons of federal community pastures, which have been transitioning to patron control since 2012. The leases will allow continued access for hunting, including the exercise of rights and traditional uses by First Nations and Metis communities.

If interested parties, such as environmental agencies, municipalities or First Nations, want to work with patron groups that are unable to lease the land alone, they may partner with patrons to obtain the 15-year lease.

A summary of findings from the survey is available at www.saskatchewan.ca/pastures